Space Traveler Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.